Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act

H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act
of 2006 (PETS Act), was passed by Congress as a response to the way
in which household pets and service animals were handled during
evacuation efforts resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

The passage of the PETS Act significantly changed the way pets
are viewed by the Federal government during disasters and requires
disaster preparedness planning to address the needs of pets and
service animals. Following a major disaster or emergency, this act
authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to
provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for household
pets and service animals as well as to their owners.